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Buhari emphasises ‘togetherness’ in 60th anniversary run up

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By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor

Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday invoked the grit of Nigeria’s founding fathers to stress the need for unity, and he put a gloss on the religious and ethnic cracks and crevices North and South that daily threaten to tear the country apart.

”Today, we stand on the threshold of history as we formally begin a series of activities commemorating Nigeria’s Diamond Anniversary,” the president said in Abuja.

He was unveiling the theme and logo marking independence from British colonialism, during which – with hindsight of 60 years Nigeria now realises that – social facilities were more stable even as the country railed against foreign rule.

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Buhari reiterated that Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy, is the most prosperous black nation in the world, as he dwelled on TOGETHER, the theme of Nigeria at 60.

The logo was projected and unveiled virtually on the 12 by 20 feet screen at the Council Chambers in the Villa before an e-Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting he chaired began.

The ceremony was witnessed by cabinet ministers and other FEC members who joined the meeting online.

”The task history has saddled me with today,” Buhari said, “is to proclaim a theme that will keep us united, help us forge ahead and unveil a logo that will form the critical pillars which our 11-month modest commemorative activities would rest on.       

”Celebrating sixty years of independence really calls for pomp, but the global COVID-19 pandemic, which has forced all nations in the world to think and act differently, has also foisted on us the imperative of a low-keyed celebration.

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”Operating within the limitations placed by the COVID-19 pandemic, we created an internet challenge for Nigerians to make a choice from a set of four pre-selected logos that would appropriately define the theme.

”Of these four options, Nigerians from all walks of life participated in making a choice and I am happy to let you know that the logo I would be unveiling is a product of choice from the Nigerian people.”

Buhari said the selected option “depicts our togetherness, a country of over 200 million people whose natural talent, grit and passion glitter like the precious DIAMOND we are.

”This, to me, is a special appreciation to our most precious asset – our people. Everywhere you go, Nigerians are sparkling like diamonds in the pack, whether in academia, business, innovation, music, movie, entertainment, fashion and culture.”

To him, the encrusted diamond on the Nigerian map symbolises the age of treasure, the worth of Nigerians with sparkle to the admiration of the world.

In the same vein, he added, the pear green and dark green colours should  “remind us of our warmth, welcoming spirit and love as well as the abundant wealth inherent in our human capital and the richness of our land.

‘‘All these properties make us unarguably the most prosperous black nation in the world and Africa’s largest economy.’’

Buhari, stressing the theme of TOGETHER, recounted that Nigeria’s founding fathers, in spite of differences in faith, tribe, and tongue, came together to fight for independence.

‘‘This shall be a befitting tribute to the struggles of our heroes past.’’

He thanked members of the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on the anniversary celebration for the work the done so far, but said, “this is just the beginning.’’

He pledged that his administration would work towards greater inclusiveness and urged the participation of all Nigerians in the celebration.

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